This album is yet another wonderful work from Tori Amos. Her style combines wonderful lyrics, that are at times a bit on the gritty side, with music that calls to mind Kate Bush, without copying her.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: The Early Years Volume 4 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review

HorsesActually two songs (Beauty Queen and Horses), this one begins with a very sparse piano accompanying nearly accapella vocals. This Beauty Queen segment is very unusual. As it moves into the other half of the piece, a beautifully classically tinged piano segment emerges. This is quite a lush, intricate and dramatic piece.

Blood RosesThis is a harpsichord-based cut with rather gritty lyrics. It features some very unusual vocal work at times.

Father LuciferThis arrangement is somewhat playful and includes horns and some nice vocal layering.

Professional WidowA harpsichord based rocker, this is another strong cut with some unique vocal moments. Segments here almost have a modern Crimsonish arrangement.

Mr. ZebraThis is a fun, short cut with a vintage sort of sound.

MarianneThis pretty, moody and reflective number features a pretty and lush arrangement, and is really quite effective.

Caught A Lite SneezeThis is a percussion based number with pop sensibilities. The percussion here sounds a bit Phil Collinsish.

Muhammad My FriendAfter a solo piano intro, this is a pretty piano and vocal number.

Way DownA very brief and odd sort of song, this is a bit bluesy, but definitely a bit in the mode of Kate Bush.

Little AmsterdamAnother that is Bush influenced, this is a progish cut with r & B and blues elements.

Not the Red BaronThis is a pretty piano and vocal based melody.

Agent OrangeAgent Orange is a brief and quirky cut.

Doughnut SongA pretty and brief piano intro leads to a progish cut. This is a strong cut, that at times features intricate piano work.

In The Springtime of His VoodooThis bluesy cut has a very nice walking bass line. "Standing on a corner in Winslow Arizona, And I`m quite sure I`m in the wrong song." At times this one has some definitely gritty lyrics, and it features a segment that almost feels like an acoustic version of Kiss` Black Diamond.

Putting the Damage OnAnother pretty and moody progish ballad, this one has a rather lush arrangement.